HIPPY

Family Help Trust is delighted to host HIPPY (Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters) in Christchurch. HIPPY Hoon Hay is based in the Halswell Community Hub, HIPPY Aranui is close to the Aranui shopping centre in Marlow Rd and HIPPY Hornby’s home is St Columba’s Church in Hornby.

HIPPY is a two-year home-based parenting and early childhood enrichment programme that builds the confidence and skills of parents to create a positive learning environment through which to prepare their three and four year old children for school. HIPPY understands the critical role parents play in their children's education. The programme builds on the bond between parents and children while supporting parents as they provide their children with the necessary skills and confidence to begin school with a positive attitude toward learning.

HIPPY is specifically designed for parents who may not feel comfortable in their abilities to teach their children. Parents and children work together for fifteen minutes a day with storybooks, puzzles and learning games that help children to become successful learners. Participation in the programme also offers some parents a supported pathway to further study, employment and local community leadership.

HIPPY originated in Israel and was brought to New Zealand by Dame Lesley Max in the mid 1990's. Dame Lesley has been Patron to Family Help Trust from its inception more than 20 years ago and has worked alongside us as a long term advocate for effective early intervention services in New Zealand. We are proud of our long association with her and excited to belong to the HIPPY family.

HIPPY AranuiBridget Swan is the Aranui Hippy Co-OrdinatorHIPPY Aranui is close to the Aranui shopping centre in Marlow Rd with up to 50 local families taking part in the programme. Bridget Swan, the Co-ordinator, works with three tutors all of whom have children in the programme. If you wish to enrol your child with HIPPY Aranui please contact Bridget, Tel 027 304 4089 or email bridget@familyhelptrust.org.nz

Hippy Hornby Jeanette Dobbs is the Hornby Hippy Co-OrdinatorHIPPY Hornby operates from St Columba’s Church in Hornby. Jeanette has a primary teaching background as well as a post graduate qualification in adult education.She has a passion for education, a heart for community and is passionate about empowering parents and assisting them to provide the best start possible to their children's education. If you wish to enrol your child with Hippy Hornby please contact Jeanette at jeanetted@familyhelptrust.org.nz or Tel 021 569 911